"I find I cannot meet all the interest due the day after to-morrow."
A mere bow of the head from the spider. Not a motion of an eyebrow, even, in token of surprise. This composure hurt M. Rouget much. Was he not an important person, and looked upon as rich? And was it not the duty of ordinary people to expect him to pay up? He felt almost insulted that anybody should thus take his inability as a matter of course. He coloured, and looked an interrogation.
"Yes?" said Jordan.
"I vill give a cheque for two tousand dollars. You must hold over the rest for the present."
"Make it three, and I will take your note for the rest at thirty days--Sim!" touching the hand-bell at his elbow.
"That vill not do! I shall not be able to pay so soon," said Rouget more disturbed. What did the man mean by calling in his clerk so quickly to increase his embarrassment?
"Never mind, Sim! a mistake," and the door closed again.
"Tirty days would be no use. You mus give me time. I have had looses, and want time to retrieve myself."
"But how? Mr. Rouget. You will say I have no right to ask such a question, perhaps, and I dare say I appear discourteous; but in business it is essential to understand the case clearly, and our transactions are for such large sums that you must excuse seeming intrusiveness. Will sixty days suit you?"
"No. I want time! and freedom from all anxieties. I have a système wich is infallible in the end, and must make me rich, but it demands time, watchfulness, and money."